Attaching an accessory to your rack, only to discover that it doesn’t fit is frustrating. Avoid this by checking a few simple criteria prior to purchasing.
Check Your Upright Profile Size
Most gym racks have 2×2″ uprights, while others have 3×3″ uprights. Since most gym attachments are made to fit specific sizes of gym rack uprights, know the outer dimensions of your rack’s uprights before ordering any attachments. Also, be aware that a 3×3″ attachment will NOT fit on a 2×2″ upright.
Measure the Hole Spacing
This varies from standard gym racks which typically have 2” centres, to Westside type racks which are typically 1” apart in the bench zone to allow for finer J-hook positions. So count them and measure them rather than assume.
Know Your Mounting Type
Most gym attachments use pin-and-pipe mounting, although there are exceptions such as bolt-on attachments that require specific threaded inserts in the upright, or band pegs that require a specific hole diameter. Always check the product listing for the specific attachment you’re interested in for details of the required mounting type.
Check Per-Attachment Load Ratings
A gym rack which is rated for an overall load of 500kg may have individual points of attachment for the various attachments which only carry a fraction of that load. Make sure you check the load rating of the individual attachment as well as the load rating of the gym rack itself.
Confirm Universal vs. Brand-Specific Claims
Also note that some of the leading gym manufacturers use proprietary rail systems which can only be used with their brand-specific gym accessories. The term “Universal” varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Even if an attachment is advertised as “Universal”, always check the exact upright dimensions and hole pattern in the spec sheet for that particular model. A useful reference for Gym Racks is https://repfitness.com/collections/gym-racks/.
Measuring up before ordering will save you a lot of pain and allow you to ensure that all your equipment will work seamlessly together to allow you to continue training as normal.
